Keeper Collection #SommChat Guest Winemaker Christian Ebert

2/27 German Winemaker Christian Ebert

@ValckenbergUSA

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): will try and make it! RT @KeeperColl: Join us for #SommChat to meet Christian Ebert of Schloss Saarstein, @ValckenbergUSA Wed 11 AM CST!…

@kcwineguy (kcwineguy): WooHoo! RT @KeeperColl: Get ready for #SommChat 11AM CST!@KGreenPR @ericawinetrips @jennanorth @kcwineguy@AdamPlotkin @Local913 roydot #WW

@Ivywine (Ivywine): Checking in for #SommChat with @KeeperColl! #wine

@exceptionalfood (Gourmet Delights): Every Wednesday at noon Eastern join us for #SommChat hosted by @KeeperColl http://bit.ly/SKVMcw #wine #wiyg #foodies

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @KeeperColl @ValckenbergUSA Ready for #SommChat!

@sanctuaryaz (SanctuaryCamelbackMt): So are we! RT @Sassodoro: @KeeperColl @ValckenbergUSA Ready for #SommChat!

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): Howdy from Austin! @KeeperColl #German #Winemaker Christian Ebert of Schloss Saarstein, @ValckenbergUSA! #SommChat#Winelover #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Welcome 2 #SommChat every1! Tell UR friends 2 join us 2 hear from #German #Winemaker Christian Ebert of Schloss Saarstein,@ValckenbergUSA!

@GermanWineUSA (Wines of Germany US): Excited for #SommChat today! @valckenbergUSA @KeeperColl http://ow.ly/i6nH0

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’d like to introduce you to #German #Winemaker Christian Ebert of Schloss Saarstein, @ValckenbergUSA! #SommChat#WineWednesday #Winelover

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): We’re about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to @ValkenbergUSA to say hello & so he knows you’re here!#WineWednesday #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Don’t forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): As we ask Christian @ValckenbergUSA our Qs, U can ask him Ur Qs as well! He’ll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): W/so many participants lots of gr8 Q’s R asked! Even if u dont ask 1, S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @ValckenbergUSA let us know u R here! #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Let’s start talking #wine with #German #Winemaker Christian Ebert of Schloss Saarstein, @ ValckenbergUSA #WineWednesday#SommChat

@sanctuaryaz (SanctuaryCamelbackMt): Welcome to #SommChat @ValkenbergUSA, we look forward to learning from you! #ww

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – Good morning all from snowy (finally!) #Chicago! Nice to join you today on #SommChat

@Ivywine (Ivywine): .@KeeperColl @@ValckenbergUSA – can you tell us about some of your favorite exotic #food and #German #wine pairings? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @Ivywine: @KeeperColl I don’t know the names in English of all the exotic foods! #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – Are you a purist for your hometown #wine (like some in #Burgundy are)? Can you love a #Riesling not from #Germany? -#SommChat!

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @demilove: @KeeperColl No. The best #Riesling from another country came from #Switzerland from Daniel Gantenbein.#SommChat

@Foundationspr (Monika Elling): Love Christian’s #wines at Schloss Saarstein @ValckenbergUSA #WineWednesday #SommChat #WINE #RIESLING @KeeperColl @winecompass

@Foundationspr (Monika Elling): I did lot of work w/ @ValckenbergUSA #wines as PR Dir. at Lauber/SWS @ValckenbergUSA @winecompass Great values! #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @Foundationspr: Great to hear from #Lauber people!!! #SommChat

@winecompass (Wine Compass): Q. @ValckenbergUSA Are there any stats on the amount of #German #wine imported into the U.S. in relation to other countries?#SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @winecompass @KeeperColl For my #wines, the #US is the most important foreign country to export. #SommChat

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): What is biggest challenge facing #German #wines these days?@valckenbergUSA @KeeperColl #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @DeniseClarkeTX: @KeeperColl The high production cost, especially for employees. #SommChat

@hvwinegoddess (Debbie Gioquindo,CSW): Great convo on #German #Wines on #Sommchat

@harleywine1 (Harley Carbery): @KeeperColl Hello again from #Vegas everyone! #SommChat Happy#WW

@Ivywine (Ivywine): .@valckenbergUSA @KeeperColl – What is the most important #winemaking decision you make in your #vineyard? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @Ivywine: .@valckenbergUSA @KeeperColl How to protect the grapes from fungus. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @Ivywine: .@valckenbergUSA @KeeperColl – Keeping the grapes healthy every vintage. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA When did you first know you would be a #winemaker? #SommChat #WW

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl There was no doubt. I was never asked whether I would take over the estate from my father. But I liked it. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA In your opinion, how do #German selections differ the most from #wines of other regions? #SommChat #WW

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: No where else is #wine grown so far in the north. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl Longer daylight during the summer means more time to build the aromas. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: An apple from #Norway is much more aromatic than an apple from #Italy, but not as sweet. #SommChat

@winecompass (Wine Compass): @Schillerwein You are missing #SommChat focusing on #german#wine

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Loving this #german #wine conversation with Christian Ebert on#SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA Your vineyard rests on steep, sloping hill. What R difficulties you face from this in the #winemaking process?#SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Much more expensive, both in money and time per hectare. We cannot use machines. Everything is done by hand.#SommChat

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): I recently gained a new love for #German #Rieslings. What needs to happen to convince more #Americans to try them? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @DeniseClarkeTX @KeeperColl Good question. Tasting, tasting, tasting. #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @DeniseClarkeTX @KeeperColl – Good morning, Denise! Studying hard as usual! How about you? Want me to email you some snow? -#SommChat

@lwa235 (Linda Adams): @KeeperColl @valckenbergusa I’m here for a bit! #SommChat

@winecompass (Wine Compass): Q. @ValckenbergUSA Are there any red #wine you produce?#SommChat @KeeperColl

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @winecompass: @KeeperColl No. 90% #Riesling, 9% #Pinot Blanc, 1% #Pinot Gris at my estate. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA In one article we read, you discussed blue slate vs. red slate. Can you tell us more about that? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: The red color comes from iron. They say red slate makes #wines spicier. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: I have blue slate and my #wines are also spicy.#SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Blue slate is a little softer than red slate, and this allows the vines to absorb the minerals more easily. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @alawine – do you drink #german #wine – would love to hear from you on your questions for our #winemaker Christian Ebert on #SommChat

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @lwa235 – Good morning, Linda! Snowfall reminds me a little of #Riesling! – #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @scottota @billelsey @junerodil @ccollinsms any questions for #German #Winemaker #Christian Ebert @valckenbergUSA on #SommChat right now?

@Ivywine (Ivywine): @KeeperColl @valckenbergUSA – Who are your favorite #German #wine producers? #SommChat #wine

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @Ivywine: .@KeeperColl My favorite? For red #wines, Salwey, Huber, Johner. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA What #food do you like to pair with your #Riesling Spatlese & with your #Riesling Kabinett? #SommChat #WW

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Modern, light cooking. Nothing too heavy like #French cuisine. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Spicy #food, too. #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): Where is @Schillerwein? He should be in on this conversation.#SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @valckenbergUSA what are UR suggested #drinking windows for your #Kabinett and #Spatlese #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: If you like it with the prime aromas, drink it young, but it can store for ten, twelve years at least. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: we were already enjoying my 1999 #Riesling Auslese this morning. It’s drinking great!!! #SommChat

@GermanWineUSA (Wines of Germany US): Yum any to share? @valckenbergusa @KeeperColl we were already enjoying my 1999 #Riesling Auslese this morning. drinking great!! #SommChat

@BlindedBite (Blinded By The Bite!): I love that there is a @SummerofRiesling event – Clearly I need to add this to my to-do list! #SommChat #WW #Wine #Travel

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @BlindedBite we love @SummerofRiesling yes add to your list #SommChat

@winecompass (Wine Compass): @BlindedBite Here’s last year’s link for @SummerofRiesling http://summerofriesling.com/wp/ #SommChat

@helenwindle (Helen Windle): @winecompass @Foundationspr #SommChat In volume terms #German #wines made up 3.9% of the imported #US market in 2011 (3.1m cases). @TheIWSR

@mlbyington (Michael Byington): Good loving RT @DeniseClarkeTX: Gained new love for #German #Rieslings. What needs to happen to convince more #Americans to try them? #SommChat

@winecompass (Wine Compass): @ValckenbergUSA @KeeperColl Wow 1999 for the #Riesling Auslese #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): love the older #German #wines RT @winecompass:@ValckenbergUSA @KeeperColl Wow 1999 for the #Riesling Auslese#SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA What do you like to pair with your #Pinot Blancs? #SommChat #WW

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Oysters, smoked fish, freshwater fish, asparagus, beurre blanc sauce. But really most everything. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA U travel 2 US, Great Britain, Switzerland, Netherlands & Scandinavia. How do U manage this & time N #vineyards? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Organization! But 60% is sold to the domestic market, those customers mostly come to my estate. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: 30% sold of my #wine is sold to the #US Rest to #UK and #Scandinavia. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): @adamplotkin any #german #wine questions from you today for #SommChat

@raelinn_wine (Raelinn_wine): @KeeperColl really wish I could make #SommChat today!! Cheers! Have an auslese for me!

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @KeeperColl – Do you think the #German designations (Spatlese, Kabinett, etc.) have consistent meanings throughout #Germany? -#SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @demilove: @KeeperColl Not at all. #Spatlese and #Auslese only has something to do with ripeness, not quality. #SommChat

@lwa235 (Linda Adams): @ValckenbergUSA #Riesling is a #food friendly #wine, but which style can be enjoyed alone if so desired? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @lwa235: @ValckenbergUSA Depends on whether you like dry or fruity #wines. So many styles of #Riesling to choose from. #SommChat

@GermanWineUSA(Wines of Germany US): .@demilove: @lwa235 – I know! Studying hard for my #Certified – thinking about taking this summer – #SommChat

@harleywine1 (Harley Carbery): @ValckenbergUSA favorite vintage and why? #SommChat #WW@KeeperColl #wine #vegas

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @harleywine1: @KeeperColl At the moment it’s 2005. Perhaps in ten years it will be 2011. #SommChat

@Ivywine (Ivywine): .@valckenbergUSA @KeeperColl – What market of buyers are #German #winemakers struggling to reach, if any? #SommChat #wine

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @winecompass: @KeeperColl Yes, more and more #wine tourism is important in #Germany. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @Ivywine: @KeeperColl – For me, #Scandinavian market. For other #German #wineries, perhaps #China. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @valckenbergUSA how many #wines do you produce and how many bottles per year #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Eight different #wines, about 6500 cases per year.#SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Sometimes some BA, TBA, and Eiswein if I’m lucky.#SommChat

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): Why is #Scandinavian market tough to reach? @ValckenbergUSA @Ivywine For me, #Scandinavian market. For other #German #wineries, #China. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @DeniseClarkeTX: @KeeperColl They are well educated about #wine, very important market for #Rieslin is #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @DeniseClarkeTX: @KeeperColl #Scandinavia has a difficult market system, a state monopoly. #SommChat

@lwa235 (Linda Adams): RT @ValckenbergUSA Depends on whether you like dry or fruity #wines. So many styles of #Riesling to choose from. #SommChat” definitely dry

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @valckenbergUSA tell us about the 2012 vintage for your #wines #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Small amount, especially #Pinot Blanc, but good quality. Fantastic minerality and backbone. #SommChat

@GermanWineUSA (Wines of Germany US): Excited for the new vintage! RT @valckenbergusa: @KeeperColl: Small amount…but good quality. Fantastic minerality and backbone #SommChat

@DeniseClarkeTX (Denise Clarke): Got it..did not know that. RT @ValckenbergUSA @KeeperCollScandinavia has a difficult market system, a state monopoly.#SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @valckenbergUSA Do you have a group of #German #winemakers that you meet with during the year to discuss the winemaking process? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Of course, the VDP. Plus another group of Saar #wine producers. I’m good friends with most of them. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @valckenbergUSA Have you changed any of your #winemaking processes in the last 5 years and if so what? #sommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: In the past ten years, we invested a lot in a cooling system. Higher temperatures during the harvest. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: With a cooling system it’s much easier to keep the RS, don’t need hardly any sulfur. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: Global warming has affected us, but it is an advantage. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @valckenbergUSA any wish list items that you hope to change or make in the next 5 years? #SomMChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: We did a lot during the past ten years, so at the moment I’m very happy. #SommChat

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @Schillerwein Coversation on #Sommchat with Christian Ebert of Schloss Saarstein, @ValckenbergUSA! @KeeperColl

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Q. @ValckenbergUSA When not making #wine, how do you like to spend your time? #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: I like motor biking. We are living in a beautiful area for my @BMW motorbike. #SommChat

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): A. @KeeperColl: In the winter I hunt. It is a bit of self protection. We have lots of wild boar in the woods that like grapes. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): any last minute Questions for Christian Ebert on #SommChat – post now before he is gone:)

@TheWineKey (Charlotte): Coming in WAAY late to #SommChat but looking forward to looking at the feed, thanks @ValckenbergUSA for all the insight!

@demilove (Douglas Trapasso): @TheWineKey – Good morning, Charlotte! #SommChat was fun with@ValckenbergUSA

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): Check out the website for Schloss Saarstein athttp://bit.ly/13kHAO2 #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #wine talk with Christian Ebert @ValckenbergUSA #WineWednesday #SommChat

@GermanWineUSA (Wines of Germany US): @KeeperColl Over already?! #SommChat cc @ValckenbergUSA

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): It was great to have Christian Ebert join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did! #WineWednesday

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): Please join us in thanking #German #Winemaker Christian Ebert for his time #SommChat #WW #Winelover

@Sassodoro (Sassodoro): @KeeperColl @ValckenbergUSA Thanks for a great #SommChat!

@ValckenbergUSA (Valckenberg USA): @KeeperColl Enjoyed chatting with you guys. #SommChat

@TheWineKey (Charlotte): @demilove @ValckenbergUSA Looks like some great tips and facts! I LOVE #German #wines. #SommChat

@KeeperColl (Keeper Collection): See you next week at #SommChat Wed 3/6 11 AM CST w/ #Chablis#Winemaker Patrick Piuze! Happy #WW

@hvwinegoddess (Debbie Gioquindo,CSW): Me too! and want a glass now RT @TheWineKey: @demilove@ValckenbergUSA Looks like some great tips and facts! I LOVE #German #wines. #SommChat

@TheWineKey (Charlotte): @hvwinegoddess @demilove @ValckenbergUSA Haha! I know right?! #IsItHappyHourYet #Sommchat

@GermanWineUSA (Wines of Germany US): Thanks @KeeperColl & @ValckenbergUSA for a great #SommChat today! Hope everyone had a great time & learned more about#German #wine #WW

@AdamPlotkin (Adam Plotkin): @KeeperColl Sorry, sat at the computer, the phone rang, and 2 calls and an impropmtu office meeting later, #SommChat was already over!